What Ever Happened To Baby Jane? (1962)

A once famous Hollywood actress (Joan Crawford) is now wheelchair bound due to an accident which occurred in 1935 at the height of her career. She is taken care of by her demented and psychotic sister (Bette Davis in an Oscar nominated performance), who delights in mentally and physically abusing her. Based on the novel by Henry Farrell and directed by Robert Aldrich (KISS ME DEADLY). Often relegated to the ungallantly named "psycho biddy" genre, it's easy to forget Aldrich's firm and atmospheric direction and how superbly acted it is. Davis's performance is a triumph. Walking the fine line between camp and poignancy, she keeps her performance grounded in a heartbreaking reality. You may laugh but that laugh can just as easily get caught in your throat. Crawford's role is less flashy and more passive but she shows a remarkable restraint (for her). She's the steady sailboat to Davis's rollercoaster. With Victor Buono, Maidie Norman, Anna Lee, Maxine Cooper and Marjorie Bennett.